Modern Family Exclusive: Ellen Barkin to Play Phil's New [Spoiler Alert]!

If Ellen Barkin’s Modern Family character is as incendiary as the actress’ Twitter feed then Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell) may want to consider changing professions.

Sources confirm to TVLine exclusively that the Emmy- and Tony-winning tigress is joining ABC’s monster hit in the potentially recurring role of Vera, a very tough, legendary real estate broker who becomes Phil’s main nemesis.

The news follows the casting of Greg Kinnear as Phil’s new business partner, which makes us wonder: Is Phil amassing a small army to take on Barkin’s battle-axe broker from hell?

Barkin, who is currently winning raves (not to mention Oscar buzz) for her role in the indie drama Another Happy Day, is set to make her Modern Family debut in early ’12.

Ellen Barkin must be taking all this work because she needs the money for her medical bills. I assume that to be true because someone apparently punched her in the mouth–her lips are all swollen and gross.